It’s John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, who we have to thank for the invention of putting things in between bread. The Earl needed something that was convenient to eat while in the middle of a game of cards, and a sandwich was the obvious answer. However, even the Earl might question where his invention has ended up – there’s no chance you could chase the ace while eating any of these doorstoppers. No, these southwest sangers demand your full attention.
Jaws
Bristol and Frome
Jaws is a relatively new addition to Bristol’s street food scene, and has quickly become famed for its serious subs – most notably the gloriously golden chicken parm. You can find Jaws touring the markets, from Temple Quay to the Harbourside and Finzels Reach, with occasional appearances at the Frome Independent. https://www.jawsbristol.co.uk/
Green Street Butchers
Green Street, Bath
Think Green Street is just a butcher’s? Think again, and this time add a lot more bread. Their buns have really taken off, stuffed as they are with chicken caesar and bacon or rare roast beef and porchetta. There’s a bench and a couple of tables outside the shop, and trust us, you’ll want to be sitting down for this. Wash it all down at The Welly opposite. https://www.greenstreetsandwiches.com/
Hart’s Bakery
Lower Approach Rd, Bristol
Hart’s Bakery, underneath Temple Meads, is a Bristol institution. It provides something you may have previously thought impossible: really good train food. Time your visit carefully to coincide with one of the weekday lunch specials, often served in a bun, made up of whatever whims and fancies chef Issy Cox has dreamt up that morning. A Sichuan pork belly sando? You’ll be the envy of platform 11. https://www.hartsbakery.co.uk/
Bumble Bakehouse
Love Lane, Cirencester
Run by couple Liam and Tuesday and various sisters and parents, Bumble Bakehouse is a family-run affair – a family who must be exceptionally well fed. The challenge will be getting through one of the stuffed focaccias or bagels, be it smoked salmon, salt beef Reubens or mozzarella and tomato, and still having enough room for one of the very elegant pastries on offer. https://bumblebakehouse.com/
Milk Bun Deli
Bath and Bristol
Following the success of its burgers, Milk Bun has taken the natural next step into sandwiches, stuffing all kinds of treats between two thick wodges of fluffy milk bread. This is the place to go when you want that clean, deeply envy-inducing cross-section and a packet of Torres truffle crisps to wash it down with. https://milkbun.co.uk/
Taylor’s Bagels
Bath and Keynsham
What is it that makes a bagel so satisfying? The chew? The hint of sweetness? Whatever it is, Taylor’s is the place to celebrate it. The bacon, egg and cheese with bonus hash browns is surely the pinnacle of bread-based breakfasts, but it’s the barbecue pulled brisket Bath Bagel on the lunch menu that’s really got a hold on us. https://www.taylorsbagels.com/
Batch
Stony Street, Frome
Once you go Batch, you never go back. Their small-batch filled bagels are seriously detour-worthy, for omnivores and veggies alike. It’s the vegan king oyster al pastor that’s caught our eye recently, though the man behind the magic, Dom, is forever coming up with new and inventive specials. https://www.instagram.com/batch.frome/
